Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Balancing Rest and Activity

Topic Overview

Children who have JIA may need extra naps or quiet
time during the day to rest their joints and to regain their strength. JIA can
be a tiring disease, especially when symptoms flare. Some medicines used to
treat JIA may also cause tiredness.

Children are often good judges
of their need for rest. Rest doesn't have to mean a nap. Reading quietly,
watching a movie, or listening to music is fine, too. Let your child help
decide when and how much rest he or she needs.

Rest is
important. But it is just as important not to rest too much. Long periods without
activity can cause your child's joints to stiffen and may eventually lead to
weakness in unused muscles. Children who don't get enough activity are at
greater risk for severe joint stiffening that results in deformities (contractures). Not being active also
increases the chance that the child will become
overweight.

It is also important not to overdo activity.
Children often want to participate in activities with their friends and don't think about how they will feel the next day. Activity that causes pain or
stiffness the following day is too much. That activity should be modified if
tried again. For example, the child may play for a shorter time or play with
lighter equipment.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.